Entire State is Now “High Incidence” for COVID-19

Ohio continues to move in the wrong direction and break records in regard to COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Between Wednesday and Thursday this week, health officials have reported a total of 4,961 new positive coronavirus cases in Ohio, the highest number of new cases in a 24-hour period to date. In addition, there are currently 2,075 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 which is a 55 percent increase in hospitalized patients compared to two weeks ago. Of the hospitalized patients, 541 people are in intensive care. The previous record for intensive care admissions was 533 in April. 

Gov. Mike DeWine announced at his briefing yesterday that 86% of the state’s population lives in a Red Level 3 county. There are 56 red counties, which is the highest number since the launch of the advisory system in July. Thirty counties are at Level 2 (orange) and two are Level 1 (yellow). There are no Level 4 (purple) counties. New health data compiled by the Ohio Department of Health shows all 88 counties in Ohio are now considered “high incidence” as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

DeWine stressed the new record number of cases is not due to increased testing capacity in the state. Since September 24, the total number of tests in Ohio has increased by approximately 44 percent, but positive cases have increased 280 percent in the same time period. If a person is tested multiple times, they are only counted once.

For the eighth consecutive week, Ohio schools reported a record increase of coronavirus cases among students and staff members this week. With 2,010 new cases that elevates the statewide total to 7,068.

DeWine Appoints New Leadership at Health Department 

Stephanie McCloud, CEO at Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, was named director of the Ohio Department of Health yesterday. Gov. Mike DeWine announced the appointment at his COVID-19 briefing yesterday. He also appointed Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, senior vice president at OhioHealth, as ODH chief medical officer.

Vanderhoff has years of experience leading large teams in successfully dealing with important health issues and prepared OhioHealth to deal with the threat of Ebola and the H1N1 flu pandemic. He is well-known among the osteopathic profession for his support of medical education. He was actively involved when OhioHealth became the Preeminent Education Partner for the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine Dublin campus. 

This is the second time since Amy Acton, MD, stepped down as ODH director that DeWine has named her permanent replacement. Joan Duwve, MD, the director of public health for South Carolina, was appointed to the position in September, but withdrew citing concerns with the treatment of Acton by opponents of the governor’s health directives.

ODH Recruiting for COVID-19 Vaccine Providers 

If you want to administer the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available, it is critically important to enroll as soon as possible due to accelerated federal timelines. If you have ultra-cold storage capabilities (below -70 degrees Celsius) and are able to administer COVID-19 vaccines to 500 or more individuals, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) asks that you enroll no later than Friday, November 6! Please note that not every provider needs to have ultra-cold storage capabilities to be a COVID-19 vaccine provider.

While it is unknown when the vaccine will be available, ODH is looking to review and process applications and conduct provider training as quickly as possible to be prepared to mobilize immediately with little notice. Enrolling as soon as possible also helps the state identify and address any vaccine provider gaps across the state.

To submit an application to become a COVID-19 vaccination provider, sign up online at the State of Ohio’s “OH|ID” and follow the steps outlined in this ODH instruction guide. Use the enrollment checklist to gather the necessary information.

Please note that if you do not already have an OH|ID account, this will be a two-step sign-up process. The first step will be to create an account which must be reviewed and approved, usually within 24 hours. After approval, you will receive an email notification and can go to the second step by logging into your new OH|ID account to complete your COVID-19 vaccination provider enrollment application.

For questions, contact the ODH COVID-19 Vaccination Provider Enrollment Team at covidvaccine@odh.ohio.gov.

New Rules Affect Pharmacists Consult Agreements

Hospitals, ambulatory outpatient facilities and any physicians that have entered consult agreements with pharmacists should be aware of the physician rules adopted by the State Medical Board of Ohio that went into effect on October 31, 2020. These new rules include updates to currently existing consult agreements for managing patient’s drug therapies and new physician requirements. 

Additional changes in Ohio laws will allow pharmacists to enter into consult agreements with certified nurse practitioners, certified nurse-midwives, certified clinical nurse specialists and physician assistants beginning December 16.

Read more about the rules.

Seeking Pediatric Surgeon for Committee

The Trauma Committee of the State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services (EMFTS)  is seeking nominations for a board-certified surgeon who actively practices pediatric trauma surgery.

The Trauma Committee was created to advise and assist the EMFTS in all matters regarding trauma care and the Ohio Trauma System. Its membership is spelled out in Revised Code. The Committee generally meets every other month.

Candidates should submit a CV to OOA Executive Director Matt Harney at mattharney@OhioDO.org.

Attention Medical Students! Meet OOA Leaders Next Week

The OOA Board of Trustees meets next Saturday and following the meeting invites students to log on and Zoom in! Normally, the Board hosts a reception for OU-HCOM students. But 2020 is different. So instead of an in-person receptions in Athens, Cleveland, and Dublin, Zoom rooms are being used to chat and network.

Students are invited to participate on Saturday, November 14 at noon. Register here. For questions, contact Carol Tatman at ctatman@OhioDO.org.

Refinance Your Student Loan

A survey from the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine found that nearly 86 percent of graduates begin their careers with an average debt of $240,000. Refinancing your student loan can save you thousands of dollars, depending on your current balance and interest rate.

The OOA and AOA have partnered with SoFi to bring members—including students and residents—a complete solution for their student loan needs. SoFi is a leading student loan refinancing provider. The process is fast, easy, and all online. Complete a simple online application to get prequalified in minutes.